Each year the competition for the North American Car of the Year is extremely tough, and this year was no different. With models like the all-electric Nissan Leaf and the popular Hyundai Sonata vying for the title, the result of this award was especially competitive. But this year, the Chevrolet Volt reigned supreme and clenched the coveted Car of the Year title.

The Volt is a unique EV that can travel for 40 miles on electricity alone. After that point, a four-cylinder gasoline engine acts as an electric generator to extend the range by an additional 300 miles.

“It’s a great honor to be recognized as the North American Car of the Year,” said Dan Akerson, chief executive of General Motors. “Since development began, we believed the Volt had the potential to transform the automotive industry.”

Car of the Year awards are presented by a jury of 49 automotive journalists. This marks the fourth time that GM has earned this esteemed award. The award also follows a slew of recent accolades garnered by the Volt, including Motor Trend’s 2011 Car of the Year and Green Car Journal’s 2011 Green Car of the Year.